With summer comes longer days, warm nights, and a calendar filled with possibilities. But amidst all the adventure, it’s easy to let self-care fall by the wayside as our usual routine changes. In this post, we’ll explore five rituals you can weave into your summer to keep you feeling energized, balanced, and ready to soak up all the sunshine.
Mindful mornings
Greet the day with intention. Open your curtains as soon as you wake up and let the summer sunlight be your alarm clock, naturally boosting your mood and energy levels. Start your day with gentle stretches by your window, breathing in deeply and focusing on the fresh air and the sounds of the summer morning around you.
Prepare your favourite drink to start your day and take the time to truly savour the experience. Find a cosy spot bathed in sunlight, such as the garden, conservatory or kitchen table, and settle in, taking a moment to feel the warmth of the mug or coolness of the glass in your hands. If time allows pair your drink with a few minutes of journaling or reading. Journaling is a great way to set some intentions for the day ahead, jot down ideas or simply capture any fleeting thoughts that arise.
By incorporating a mindful morning into your summer routine, you’ll create a foundation for a day filled with joy, intention and a sense of calm amidst the vibrant energy of the season.
Fuel your body with seasonal goodness
The summer season explodes with a variety of fresh, vibrant fruits and vegetables. So, it’s the perfect time to ditch heavy meals and embrace lighter, more refreshing options that nourish your body and celebrate the season’s flavours. Use summer’s vibrant colours to guide you for meal inspiration - stock up on juicy red tomatoes, sweet orange peppers, leafy green lettuces and yellow summer squash to create a rainbow on your plate.
Salads are the stars of the summer table. Experiment with different greens, fruits and vegetables and try everything from a classic Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil to something a little different with a watermelon and feta salad sprinkled with mint. Growing herbs at home is an easy and satisfying way to incorporate more goodness into your meals, especially fuss-free salads, and what better time to try your hand at gardening than summer? Follow our kitchen herb garden guide here for top tips.
Finally, don’t forget to stay hydrated, ditching tempting sugary drinks for thirst-quenching water. To make the humble glass of H2O more appealing, try infusing it with sliced cucumber, lemon, watermelon or berries for a touch of natural flavour and a boost of vitamins.
Digital detox
Summer beckons us to slow down, soak up the sun, and reconnect with the world around us, yet the constant buzz of technology can easily pull us from these moments of peace. So, this summer, why not consider a digital detox? A dedicated break from your devices to give your mind a much-needed escape.
Start by planning designated time to disconnect. It could be a weekend, a specific day each week over the summer or even just a few tech-free hours in the evening. You can then use this technology break to discover new hobbies, read a book, spend time in nature, or catch up with family and friends face-to-face.
Bring the sunshine indoors
Summer’s vibrant energy shouldn’t be confined to the outdoors, so extend the sunshine feeling into your home with a few simple tweaks to create a light and joyful atmosphere to instantly boost your mood:
Embrace natural light by swapping out heavy curtains for light, sheer drapes or blinds, allowing sunlight to gently diffuse throughout your home.
Introduce lighter, brighter colours that evoke the feelings of warmth. Think soft yellows, airy blues and crisp whites across pillows, artwork and accessories.
Bring pops of colour to your tablescapes through colourful pattern across tableware. Botanical designs instantly bring the outside in for a fresh, uplifting setting even when it’s not so cheery outdoors.
Fresh flowers and greenery are an easy way to add a summer vibe to your space. Fill vases with seasonal blooms like sunflowers, lilies, or daisies.
Switch up home fragrances for lighter, floral-inspired scents that transport you somewhere summery.
Summer-inspired exercise
Exercise brings something different for everyone, but no matter the motivation or how it looks for you, a busy schedule can sometimes mean exercise falls unintentionally to the bottom of your to-do list. However, summer brings plenty of opportunities to move your body in ways you wouldn't normally. For example, why not take your workout outside? Explore your local park or find a scenic walking or bike trail to enjoy with friends and family.
Summer is also the perfect time to embrace water-based exercise – go for a refreshing swim in a wild swimming lake or lido or try kayaking or paddleboarding for a low-impact workout that’s fun and perfect for enjoying the scenery too. You may also find that you’re moving more during the summer while out on day trips or holidays, so with this in mind remember it’s important to prioritise rest too!
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